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Quoted from aldi_01

Possibly but I’d imagine it’s more that the club have decided to make some quick, and in truth, simple improvement…

There’s a few grounds that lack any sort of roof, although these are becoming few and far between thankfully. That said, the roof at BP is no better or worse than many others. May be they’ve just decided to improve it…

Best hope it's done in time before next week. Having to relocate 1700+ STHs would be a disaster as I doubt we have space for them. I think it's most likely that this last minute piece of work is to obtain the safety certificate.

Is a safety certificate not needed for pre season friendlies?

The Safety of Sports Grounds Act 1975 experts are in the building. Always blessed with such expertise on the fishy.

Quoted from jamesgtfc

Best hope it's done in time before next week. Having to relocate 1700+ STHs would be a disaster as I doubt we have space for them. I think it's most likely that this last minute piece of work is to obtain the safety certificate.

Relocate why?

Even if they don't get finished, there is no requirement for a roof on the stand.

You'll just get wet if it rains. ;)

Quoted from ska face

The Safety of Sports Grounds Act 1975 experts are in the building. Always blessed with such expertise on the fishy.

I thought you might like this [url]https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2021/912/made/data.xht#f00002[/url]

Quoted from jamesgtfc

I thought you might like this [url]https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2021/912/made/data.xht#f00002[/url]

That’s because we had just been relegated and a certificate isn’t needed for non League unless ground capacity is more then 10k

I was down at the ground a week or so ago and they were working on the Pontoon roof.

Well if anyone is going to the open day tomorrow, you will be able to see first hand what's going on, and ask a few questions to those in the know, perhaps.

Quoted from HerveJosse

Is a safety certificate not needed for pre season friendlies?

Good question

[tweet]1685605241541021696[/tweet]

Replace with roof with clear PVC, let lots of light in and nice and warm (greenhouse style) in summer :) or stick solar panels on top save on the bills

I know we are constantly talking about capacity increase .

Is there no way the pontoon can go a bit further back and add a few rows , or/and have less aisles to have seats , also just fill in the gaps where there are no seats at the back ?

Any further back and it'll be hanging over the back gardens on Blundell Ave. and I doubt putting seats in the empty sections on the back row would yield any more than 50 seats.

I've always thought the only way to increase capacity would be to purchase the houses behind the Main Stand on Harrington Street, then demolish the Main Stand, despite it's history, demolish the houses and build a big new stand in their place.

Maybe theyre reshaping it to improve the acoustics

Quoted from BlackandWhiteBarmy2

Any further back and it'll be hanging over the back gardens on Blundell Ave. and I doubt putting seats in the empty sections on the back row would yield any more than 50 seats.

I've always thought the only way to increase capacity would be to purchase the houses behind the Main Stand on Harrington Street, then demolish the Main Stand, despite it's history, demolish the houses and build a big new stand in their place.

If the previous regime had the foresight to do this, then we would be in an excellent position now to build a new stand.

https://twitter.com/DebiGY/status/1685603512946667520?t=kIYD_xuHl6NFkfY4G56vzg&s=19

I hope they're filling the sides in whilst they're at it ;)

Cost of buying the houses would be astronomical and would take a long time. It would only take one to sodomist up the whole project.
Totally unworkable

Quoted from DB

If the previous regime had the foresight to do this, then we would be in an excellent position now to build a new stand.

There are around 20 houses along Harrington Street behind the ground, peoples homes, how would the previous or current regime go about buying these properties?
Some may be willing to Sell but i would guess the Mojority would sit tight and refuse.

Quoted from BlackandWhiteBarmy2

Any further back and it'll be hanging over the back gardens on Blundell Ave. and I doubt putting seats in the empty sections on the back row would yield any more than 50 seats.

I've always thought the only way to increase capacity would be to purchase the houses behind the Main Stand on Harrington Street, then demolish the Main Stand, despite it's history, demolish the houses and build a big new stand in their place.

The back rows would add 84 seats. I’m sad enough to have counted them

Quoted from WHYWONTYOULETMESIGNUP

Maybe theyre reshaping it to improve the acoustics

Or strengthening it for 300 seats with a sea view

Buying up those houses around the ground gradually as they came up for sale would have been a sound policy if we'd started 30 odd years ago. They could have been rented for income whilst we slowly waited for enough land to make redevelopment feasible. But we didn't so hey ho, can't see it ever happening now imagine the state of the ground in 30 to 40 years time.

Quoted from Swansea_Mariner

Buying up those houses around the ground gradually as they came up for sale would have been a sound policy if we'd started 30 odd years ago. They could have been rented for income whilst we slowly waited for enough land to make redevelopment feasible. But we didn't so hey ho, can't see it ever happening now imagine the state of the ground in 30 to 40 years time.

I know we say Blundell Park can't /won't last .

But if refurbished properly is that even true ?

Even the new builds require regular maintenance and repairs , and are pretty worn after 20 years +

We could always replicate the Scunts ground and build a new Main stand out of breeze blocks. Knock the old one down after a Saturday match. New one up by Wednesday at latest.

Easy

They are having a webasto style sun roof fitted so we can pull it back when the sun's shining and close it when it's pissing down.

Quoted from Theimperialcoroner

The back rows would add 84 seats. I’m sad enough to have counted them

84 seats is 84 seats , I assume there is a reason they are not there ?

The smaller gains would add up if they don't want to do anything substantial ATM .

That and the cage area in the corner would add 200-300 seats you would have thought , there is probably loads of cute ways you could add a number of seats in it's current footprint but it would take a massive reconfiguring of the seats and maximum usage of space .

Might be the cheapest option in the short term though , I'm sure it's something that has been looked at .

Quoted from moosey_club

They are having a webasto style sun roof fitted so we can pull it back when the sun's shining and close it when it's pissing down.

It’s always been like that but the mechanism broke after being redundant for so long

The forecast for the coming week is truly horrific, I know that can cause issues regarding putting roofs on buildings. I do hope this doesn't mean a postponement for next Saturday.

Quoted from WOZOFGRIMSBY

It’s always been like that but the mechanism broke after being redundant for so long

I think Menno Willems broke it some time back.

Quoted from Mariner_09

The forecast for the coming week is truly horrific, I know that can cause issues regarding putting roofs on buildings. I do hope this doesn't mean a postponement for next Saturday.

Truly Horrific? . Bloody hell it’s not that bad . Drama queen 😂

Quoted from Mariner_09

The forecast for the coming week is truly horrific, I know that can cause issues regarding putting roofs on buildings. I do hope this doesn't mean a postponement for next Saturday.

Showers 🙄

Quoted from It Bites

Truly Horrific? . Bloody hell it’s not that bad . Drama queen 😂

It says it's raining almost every day.

Quoted from Mariner_09

It says it's raining almost every day.

But not exactly heavy rain is it! From what I can see just a few hours of heavy showers tomorrow night, and for the rest of the days where rain is due it looks fairly light rain, just a few showers

Quoted from Mariner_09

It says it's raining almost every day.

They’ll know if there any leaks then…

Decent team of lads will have that roof back on in two days, could do it on my own in three ;D

When the weather man/ woman says it going to rain every day they don't mean all day it might only rain for ten minutes.

And

When they say there is not a hurricane heading our way. It might just pop up and surprise you.

Quoted from Azimuth

There are around 20 houses along Harrington Street behind the ground, peoples homes, how would the previous or current regime go about buying these properties?
Some may be willing to Sell but i would guess the Mojority would sit tight and refuse.

They could have bought them when prices were a lot lower, also they could have been purchased when available. These could have then been rented out bringing income until needed for a new stand.

Quoted from DB

They could have bought them when prices were a lot lower, also they could have been purchased when available. These could have then been rented out bringing income until needed for a new stand.

Rented out to who? That's a whole different business from what a football club does, they certainly aren't places worthy of putting football players up in which is why they usually invest in real estate. Being a landlord incurs a lot of costs and taxes to do properly and then you have to deal with property damage, bad tenants, squatters and so on that incur legal costs. Not just that but the cost of buying the properties of which you'd probably need to purchase about 20 at least hoping that at some point they come up for sale according to your plan. That's a sinking hole of costs with little in the way of yearly revenue and then heavier costs incurred to get planning permission to knock down 20 homes and repurpose the land if you could gain ownership of the land at all.

There are plenty of people who don't want to move, who have lived in their house for years and are happy there. There have been situations where companies want to acquire properties for development and get into legal issues after somebody won't accept any offers which all costs a lot of money. It's not something simple and if you purchase the properties you'll probably end up paying over the odds for each one to get somebody to move out then all the costs for redevelopment, planning permission and everything else.

Really properties would have to have been factored in from the start because you can't just buy up a property then knock it down, it doesn't work that way. 100 or so years ago when grounds like Blundell Park were built we lived in a different world with all standing stadiums and without much in the way of cars or transport so things like parking and space were not issues. Obviously we needed to move ground years ago but we never got that over the line and then after the Conoco Stadium project died out we drunk money down the drain on waster projects that were never getting anywhere with the "Free Men of Grimsby" or whatever making a Youtube video talking like they will make it happen and the club just spent several thousand more on paperwork that never went anywhere. Until we develop the means, needs and the right situation to deliver that we are pretty much stuck as is.

Quoted from Kris2

Rented out to who? That's a whole different business from what a football club does, they certainly aren't places worthy of putting football players up in which is why they usually invest in real estate. Being a landlord incurs a lot of costs and taxes to do properly and then you have to deal with property damage, bad tenants, squatters and so on that incur legal costs. Not just that but the cost of buying the properties of which you'd probably need to purchase about 20 at least hoping that at some point they come up for sale according to your plan. That's a sinking hole of costs with little in the way of yearly revenue and then heavier costs incurred to get planning permission to knock down 20 homes and repurpose the land if you could gain ownership of the land at all.

There are plenty of people who don't want to move, who have lived in their house for years and are happy there. There have been situations where companies want to acquire properties for development and get into legal issues after somebody won't accept any offers which all costs a lot of money. It's not something simple and if you purchase the properties you'll probably end up paying over the odds for each one to get somebody to move out then all the costs for redevelopment, planning permission and everything else.

Really properties would have to have been factored in from the start because you can't just buy up a property then knock it down, it doesn't work that way. 100 or so years ago when grounds like Blundell Park were built we lived in a different world with all standing stadiums and without much in the way of cars or transport so things like parking and space were not issues. Obviously we needed to move ground years ago but we never got that over the line and then after the Conoco Stadium project died out we drunk money down the drain on waster projects that were never getting anywhere with the "Free Men of Grimsby" or whatever making a Youtube video talking like they will make it happen and the club just spent several thousand more on paperwork that never went anywhere. Until we develop the means, needs and the right situation to deliver that we are pretty much stuck as is.

You seem to have missed my point, which was that some of these properties could have been bought many years ago when the purchase price was a fraction of what it is now. Any administration could have been carried out through an estate agent. It would have given Town another option instead of the 'Great Coates' location, or any other come to that.

If they were not needed then they could have been sold at current market values making a hefty profit.

As it is we have no hope, unless a rich benefactor comes forward, of building a new stadium and little land at BP to redevelop on.

This thread got me thinking, I reckon we must hold the record for fans mentioning ‘safety certificates’.

Quoted from aldi_01

This thread got me thinking, I reckon we must hold the record for fans mentioning ‘safety certificates’.

We’ve got a long, long way to go before we reach Birmingham City levels of discussion on the subject.

What’s the obsession with making the ground bigger, it’s not like we are selling out. Less than a week before the opener still plenty of seats available. We are in a good place with attendances up butcher we just need to increase the interest with performances on the pitch. Anything worse than last seasons home performances and we’ll be back to the 4000 die hards.

Quoted from lukeo

https://twitter.com/DebiGY/status/1685603512946667520?t=kIYD_xuHl6NFkfY4G56vzg&s=19

I hope they're filling the sides in whilst they're at it ;)

I actually really like the open look of this, it would be great to have a clear/clean roof go on. Maybe just because the picture is in nice sunshine but it really does look better. Oh and yeah either extending sideward into the corner surely has to be done?

Quoted from DB

You seem to have missed my point, which was that some of these properties could have been bought many years ago when the purchase price was a fraction of what it is now. Any administration could have been carried out through an estate agent. It would have given Town another option instead of the 'Great Coates' location, or any other come to that.

If they were not needed then they could have been sold at current market values making a hefty profit.

As it is we have no hope, unless a rich benefactor comes forward, of building a new stadium and little land at BP to redevelop on.

Yes, maybe these properties were cheaper then but also we would have had proportionally less money to buy them. The fact also remains that as soon as somebody knows you want their property for a future large development then some will hold out for a larger amount than that offered. I seem to recall that some years ago when Liverpool FC wanted to expand Anfield by buying some adjacent properties, one or two homeowners categorically refused to sell which held the whole process up.

I've long come to the conclusion that the best location for us is in Cleethorpes- at BP.

It is big enough for any scenario in the next few years, capacities can be increased over time, we own the site with an iconic sea view, have the history and memories, are on a train route and parking is no more of a problem than at any ground that cannot be alleviated with park and ride schemes if necessary.

I don't think we would need to buy any housing or anything like that, just make more of the existing footprint including the car park at the front.

We can improve a little or a lot at our own pace. If something truly dramatic happened ala a Bournemouth or Luton then that would be a different ball game, but I would stick with BP for the foreseeable.

Quoted from jaygy

I actually really like the open look of this, it would be great to have a clear/clean roof go on. Maybe just because the picture is in nice sunshine but it really does look better. Oh and yeah either extending sideward into the corner surely has to be done?

Agree totally. It looks brilliant.

Quoted from Humbercod

What’s the obsession with making the ground bigger, it’s not like we are selling out. Less than a week before the opener still plenty of seats available. We are in a good place with attendances up butcher we just need to increase the interest with performances on the pitch. Anything worse than last seasons home performances and we’ll be back to the 4000 die hards.

We have 5500 season ticket holders

With having a relatively poor season at home last time out

Imagine the uptake if we are top 7 playing good football

We could easily do 5 figure gates for the bigger games ,if we were doing well I am in no doubt .

But I do believe the 'hardcore ' support has increased to 5.5k ish just off the back of our former custodians departure and fans belief in the ethical brothers long term vision for our club .

Quoted from lew chaterleys lover

I've long come to the conclusion that the best location for us is in Cleethorpes- at BP.

It is big enough for any scenario in the next few years, capacities can be increased over time, we own the site with an iconic sea view, have the history and memories, are on a train route and parking is no more of a problem than at any ground that cannot be alleviated with park and ride schemes if necessary.

I don't think we would need to buy any housing or anything like that, just make more of the existing footprint including the car park at the front.

We can improve a little or a lot at our own pace. If something truly dramatic happened ala a Bournemouth or Luton then that would be a different ball game, but I would stick with BP for the foreseeable.

Start by adding the 84 seats at the back of the Pontoon and then fill in the cage area with safe standing would be a start - nothing too dramatic 200 or 300 more capacity and then look at extending the main the full length of the pitch with a new roof , re- configuration and a decent disability section with a new press box would probably take it up to 9.5k more than sufficient for league 1 , if we ever get any higher a fully rebuilt findus would provide ample capacity .

I think we have to accept we are staying long term and even though BP has it's flaws could be made into an excellent facility with a traditional twist - Fulham & Portsmouth are doing the same on a bigger scale .

It's more a case of what we can do than what we can't .

Quoted from Mappers

Start by adding the 84 seats at the back of the Pontoon and then fill in the cage area with safe standing would be a start - nothing too dramatic 200 or 300 more capacity and then look at extending the main the full length of the pitch with a new roof , re- configuration and a decent disability section with a new press box would probably take it up to 9.5k more than sufficient for league 1 , if we ever get any higher a fully rebuilt findus would provide ample capacity .

I think we have to accept we are staying long term and even though BP has it's flaws could be made into an excellent facility with a traditional twist - Fulham & Portsmouth are doing the same on a bigger scale .

It's more a case of what we can do than what we can't .

I also imagine the owners would take the pragmatic decision that it is much more in their own hands what they can and cannot do with BP which they already own - subject to normal planning permissions and laws. The thought of working with all the interested parties looking for a new stadium site would give anybody a nervous breakdown even if they had the 30, 40 million pounds.

Quoted from DB

You seem to have missed my point, which was that some of these properties could have been bought many years ago when the purchase price was a fraction of what it is now. Any administration could have been carried out through an estate agent. It would have given Town another option instead of the 'Great Coates' location, or any other come to that.

If they were not needed then they could have been sold at current market values making a hefty profit.

As it is we have no hope, unless a rich benefactor comes forward, of building a new stadium and little land at BP to redevelop on.

Yes we could have bought Alf Common for £1000 if we had the foresight.

How many different threads does this need to be discussed on?

Quoted from ska face

How many different threads does this need to be discussed on?

As many as possible now it had finally become obvious to most that our current ground isn’t suitable or big enough

Quoted from grimps

As many as possible now it had finally become obvious to most that our current ground isn’t suitable or big enough

Don't - someone will say it's too big and we are punching above our weight in league 2 next .

Bournemouth did ok in the prem. on gates of 12,500 .

We could get ,12,500 in at the park with a little planning.

So no need to move .

With the new training ground and a bit of thought on what we could do at the park on non match days.

We will be fine.

My Nan lived on Harrington Street and passed away a couple of years ago, she was always in regular contact with the club as she was always sending balls back round. She always kept one for me at Christmas however ;D

The club sent a nice boquet of flowers to the funeral and a nice card from the club, however her house was sold for around 80 thousand, if you estimate around 20 houses behind all at roughly the same price that's 1.6 million before any work has even been started. It's a non starter.

Quoted from ska face

How many different threads does this need to be discussed on?

A thread for each seat that is no longer fit for purpose at BP. By my reckoning, we've only got another 7899 threads to be hi-jacked. The Word Association Thread must be shitting bricks.

On a serious note though, whilst it's somewhat tiresome to see everything coming back to to the same points, it does feel to me that this shows how much of an issue our ground is - certainly to the fans anyway. It's probably more the public facing perception than anything else, but I don't get the feeling that 1878 share that same level of concern.

Quoted from grimsby pete

Bournemouth did ok in the prem. on gates of 12,500 .

We could get ,12,500 in at the park with a little planning.

So no need to move .

With the new training ground and a bit of thought on what we could do at the park on non match days.

We will be fine.

We just need a Russian billionaire to bankroll us/get us up to our eyeballs in debt then.

Quoted from grimsby pete

Bournemouth did ok in the prem. on gates of 12,500 .

We could get ,12,500 in at the park with a little planning.

So no need to move .

With the new training ground and a bit of thought on what we could do at the park on non match days.

We will be fine.

They’d have got 25000 in the Prem if their ground was big enough

Quoted from diehardmariner

We just need a Russian billionaire to bankroll us/get us up to our eyeballs in debt then.

No thanks given time and good planning there is no reason Jason and Andrew and Co. Could get us there not that I am holding my breathe .

I will be happy to be top half L1 and if we got to the championship I would be over the moon.

On the very slim chance we ever get to the prem. I would turn in my grave. ;D

If Luton can do it why not us ?

Quoted from LocalLadGTFC

My Nan lived on Harrington Street and passed away a couple of years ago, she was always in regular contact with the club as she was always sending balls back round. She always kept one for me at Christmas however ;D

The club sent a nice boquet of flowers to the funeral and a nice card from the club, however her house was sold for around 80 thousand, if you estimate around 20 houses behind all at roughly the same price that's 1.6 million before any work has even been started. It's a non starter.

There are 13 houses on Harrington Street between the two Main Stand turnstiles. At Championship level funding that wouldn't be a non-starter, maybe even League 1 level with new investment. All of that area of housing could be demolished and additional height created in that part of a new stand with Corporate at the top.

Longer term a few acquisitions nearest the ground at the bottom of Imperial and Con Avenue would help redevelop on the Findus side.

In time, virtually every club will have better facilities than Blundell Park. So any attempt to paper over the cracks can only be termed as managed decline. There are people I know who don't like the "Blundell Park" experience, they don't think it's quaint or a "proper football ground". Realistically it will need £15m to change that perspective. At the same time, spending that money will limit our ambitions to home support of around 8.5k plus away supporters. Stay at Blundell Park with much better facilities and two or three stand rebuilds and extensions? Probably not worth it. Although I know fans who rarely step inside BP because of the facilities and matchday experience, I've yet to find a diehard who would never set foot in a new stadium because they love the BP experience so much. The huge stumbling block is the cost of relocation for a meaningful step forward in ambitions. Unfortunately we're in a Catch 22 situation, and it's why discussions like this are pretty much relentless. I try not to think about it too much and just enjoy the football.. while qiuetly hoping 1878 pull a rabbit out of the hat sometime in the future once the training ground is completed..

Quoted from diehardmariner

A thread for each seat that is no longer fit for purpose at BP. By my reckoning, we've only got another 7899 threads to be hi-jacked. The Word Association Thread must be shitting bricks.

On a serious note though, whilst it's somewhat tiresome to see everything coming back to to the same points, it does feel to me that this shows how much of an issue our ground is - certainly to the fans anyway. It's probably more the public facing perception than anything else, but I don't get the feeling that 1878 share that same level of concern.

The training ground seems to be there priority and you can only speculate but I would think they see that as the commercial money raiser on non -matchdays , because you would think it's setup will be something of a community hub - 6 million is a lot for just a training ground so i think quite a bit of other stuff will be incorporated into it (I might be wrong ) .

Jason Stockwood loves 'the art of the possibile' and I've no doubt he's got some good incremental changes in mind for Blundell Park. This season reroof Ponny (I like the sound of something that lets more light in). 1 year remove some posts from Main Stand and stabilise. 2 years a new structure that either begins the construction of a same height main stand or extends the Ponny around that corner towards the main. 3 years reconstruction of existing main stand to be in keeping with new structure (possible temporary seating either side of Findus. 4 years begin plans that see extension(s) to the Findus.

Quoted from Bigdog

In time, virtually every club will have better facilities than Blundell Park. So any attempt to paper over the cracks can only be termed as managed decline. There are peolple I know who don't like the "Blundell Park" experience, they don't think it's quaint or a "proper football ground". Realistically it will need £15m to change that perspective. At the same time, spending that money will limit our ambitions to home support of around 8.5k plus away supporters. Stay at Blundell Park with much better facilities and two or three stand rebuilds and extensions? Probably not worth it. Although I know fans who rarely step inside BP because of the facilities and matchday experience, I've yet to find a diehard who would never set foot in a new stadium because they love the BP experience so much. The huge stumbling block is the cost of relocation for a meaningful step forward in ambitions. Unfortunately we're in a Catch 22 situation, and it's why discussions like this are pretty much relentless. I try not to think about it too much and just enjoy the football.. while qiuetly hoping 1878 pull a rabbit out of the hat sometime in the future..

I've no doubt about those two statements, don't agree it would take £15 million to change it though.

Quoted from Limerick Mariner

I've no doubt about those two statements, don't agree it would take £15 million to change it though.

My point was that it would take £15m to build possibly three stands at BP with new stadium like facilities to change the experience. Agreed it would take less to patch up the corners, the Main and Osmond, but it would still be a patched up old stadium.. I also accept that it might be the best case scenario for the foreseeable future..

Quoted from Bigdog

In time, virtually every club will have better facilities than Blundell Park. So any attempt to paper over the cracks can only be termed as managed decline. There are peolple I know who don't like the "Blundell Park" experience, they don't think it's quaint or a "proper football ground". Realistically it will need £15m to change that perspective. At the same time, spending that money will limit our ambitions to home support of around 8.5k plus away supporters. Stay at Blundell Park with much better facilities and two or three stand rebuilds and extensions? Probably not worth it. Although I know fans who rarely step inside BP because of the facilities and matchday experience, I've yet to find a diehard who would never set foot in a new stadium because they love the BP experience so much. The huge stumbling block is the cost of relocation for a meaningful step forward in ambitions. Unfortunately we're in a Catch 22 situation, and it's why discussions like this are pretty much relentless. I try not to think about it too much and just enjoy the football.. while qiuetly hoping 1878 pull a rabbit out of the hat sometime in the future once the training ground is completed..

Hang on. So you are suggesting there are actual supporters that, ironically, don’t support the club because of the ground? That’s a bit like saying that those supporters only go to certain games, such as ……play off finals, games against premier league teams etc.

Quoted from Marinerdeano

Jason Stockwood loves 'the art of the possibile' and I've no doubt he's got some good incremental changes in mind for Blundell Park. This season reroof Ponny (I like the sound of something that lets more light in). 1 year remove some posts from Main Stand and stabilise. 2 years a new structure that either begins the construction of a same height main stand or extends the Ponny around that corner towards the main. 3 years reconstruction of existing main stand to be in keeping with new structure (possible temporary seating either side of Findus. 4 years begin plans that see extension(s) to the Findus.

Waiting 4 years to increase our capacity will leave us well behind

Barrow have erected a couple of new stands in the close season. One on the West terrace that added 371 seats, and one in the north east corner that increases away seating by 522 seats.

I can't help but think there is space in the open corners for at least 1,000 extra seats. Any replacement of the Main stand would almost certainly lead to a temporary reduction in capacity, maybe even for an entire season. So to my mind, you put the extra seats in the corners first, then address the Main stand.

But something needs to be done. We are a club going places, with great momentum. I can see us at the top end of L1 before long, and there is no reason why we shouldn't expect gates for big matches to have the potential to be well over 10,000. That capacity and more could be accommodated at BP if the ground is improved. Certainlly a more realistic option than dreaming about £50 million new stadium.

Quoted from grimps

Waiting 4 years to increase our capacity will leave us well behind

As has been alluded to above, I think the pragmatic path is the one the club will ultimately tread on this matter.

After Saturday, we will have the luxury of the larger part of the Osmond for all but 1 of our next 12 league home games, which takes us beyond the half-way point of the season. That’s roughly another 900 seats beyond our traditional home capacity.

This gives us a pretty healthy period of time to gauge how the team is going to do this season, and what subsequent demand for tickets is going to be like, without a great risk of routinely exhausting capacity for home admission. It’s realistically at this point only that extra capacity is going to be necessary, and that’s assuming things are going well on the pitch.

I’d like to think that the necessary planning will have been done to allow swift action should it be needed, but the fortuitous way the fixtures have panned out means that keeping our powder dry for the time being is probably tue right approach.

Quoted from Limerick Mariner

There are 13 houses on Harrington Street between the two Main Stand turnstiles. At Championship level funding that wouldn't be a non-starter, maybe even League 1 level with new investment. All of that area of housing could be demolished and additional height created in that part of a new stand with Corporate at the top.

Longer term a few acquisitions nearest the ground at the bottom of Imperial and Con Avenue would help redevelop on the Findus side.

Then the Findus stand was being built, players changing were meant to be to move over to the Findus, however when it was being built they was problems with the foundations. On paper ideas sound feasible but in reality not that easy.

My mate who knows about all things building wise and knows Bp well assured me that rebuilding the main stand and taking it back to the ground perimeter would significantly increase the capacity along with extending it towards the pontoon is the best option

Quoted from crusty ole pie

My mate who knows about all things building wise and knows Bp well assured me that rebuilding the main stand and taking it back to the ground perimeter would significantly increase the capacity along with extending it towards the pontoon is the best option

There's been a lot of talk about purchasing houses behind the Main Stand (easier said than done) but what about moving a new main stand forward a bit and moving the pitch more towards the Findus (slightly narrower walkway at the front of the Findus)? You'll also notice that the Pontoon is also slightly closer to the Findus than the Main Stand side so would work well with this. Having said that I agree, there is room for a decent sized full length new stand.

Quoted from crusty ole pie

My mate who knows about all things building wise and knows Bp well assured me that rebuilding the main stand and taking it back to the ground perimeter would significantly increase the capacity along with extending it towards the pontoon is the best option

I agree about extending it to the perimeter with seating would add a justifiable number of extra seats, as at the moment the Main Stand has a wide walkway behind it, which could have extra seating added, whereas the walkways would then all be undercover, without the need to extend the footprint of the owned land. Saying that, I'm guessing the neighbours would all complain about the extra size of the stand and the loss of a certain amount of sunlight etc etc

The same could be done with the Pontoon AND Osmond Stands if it was looking for a relatively easy option to add extra seating throughout.

does anyone know what the capacity of Blundell Park is? ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Quoted from forza ivano

does anyone know what the capacity of Blundell Park is? ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Post of the week is won 🥇😂😂

Quoted from WOZOFGRIMSBY

Hang on. So you are suggesting there are actual supporters that, ironically, don’t support the club because of the ground? That’s a bit like saying that those supporters only go to certain games, such as ……play off finals, games against premier league teams etc.

I know of someone who was a season ticket holder for over 20 years that can no longer attend games because of the parking issue, blue badge holder but still cant get parked close enough to the ground

Quoted from Simon

I know of someone who was a season ticket holder for over 20 years that can no longer attend games because of the parking issue, blue badge holder but still cant get parked close enough to the ground

I'm sure anomalies like this sad case will be among those things addressed as we go forward. Like I said earlier perhaps a park and ride scheme to be dropped next to the ground.

Lots and lots of stuff will be in the mix. Personally I love the idea of a revamped BP, at whatever level. I am excited to see how smart the stadium looks like on Saturday.

Quoted from WayneBurnettsJockstrap

I agree about extending it to the perimeter with seating would add a justifiable number of extra seats, as at the moment the Main Stand has a wide walkway behind it, which could have extra seating added, whereas the walkways would then all be undercover, without the need to extend the footprint of the owned land. Saying that, I'm guessing the neighbours would all complain about the extra size of the stand and the loss of a certain amount of sunlight etc etc

The same could be done with the Pontoon AND Osmond Stands if it was looking for a relatively easy option to add extra seating throughout.

Don't think that is the case with those two stands. The walkways in both are beneath the seating, so can't be extended backwards.

The main stand has the most scope to be extended back and lengthened toward the Ponny. A clever design could add a lot of seats.

Quoted from ginnywings

[/b]

Don't think that is the case with those two stands. The walkways in both are beneath the seating, so can't be extended backwards.

The main stand has the most scope to be extended back and lengthened toward the Ponny. A clever design could add a lot of seats.

People seem to be adamant that we can change the height of the gradient of a possible new Main stand .
It doesn’t seem to ever stop bungalows being able to build higher dormers etc when seeking planning permission.
I’m sure they could easily rebuild something holding 5000 seats plus all the amenities needed underneath

Quoted from forza ivano

does anyone know what the capacity of Blundell Park is? ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

I dont think anybody does. It is a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma.

Retaining regulars is crucial and providing non impeded views throughout the ground , I suppose taking away those even with just a slightly higher capacity would be good in the short to medium term and then you could work out if there is an increase in demand with the improved facility .

Thorough toilet refurb throughout the ground , a new PA system and some modern disabled facilities ; with added areas for children /adults with learning difficulties , sensory disorders and autism etc would be a good start with some improved and larger bars added somewhere .

All that would be a good whack though just to start .

Quoted from WayneBurnettsJockstrap

I dont think anybody does. It is a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma.

Stockwood says 9k no one thinks it's 9k best just to leave it at that .

The only way we can make BP work is to get rid of the main stand and replace it with a full length stand with no posts . I’d guess it would cost 10 mill for a decent one . Crowd Funder won’t cut it this time

Quoted from Simon

I know of someone who was a season ticket holder for over 20 years that can no longer attend games because of the parking issue, blue badge holder but still cant get parked close enough to the ground

And as the capacity increases and the attendance increases , the available car parking spaces ( on street parking) remains the same. All this talk of park and ride is just not viable. A park and ride purely for BP is not financially viable for 26 occasions a year and it would be hard to convince the Council and Stagecoach to fund such a system based on what - a seaside resort that has several routes of access.

Quoted from rancido

And as the capacity increases and the attendance increases , the available car parking spaces ( on street parking) remains the same. All this talk of park and ride is just not viable. A park and ride purely for BP is not financially viable for 26 occasions a year and it would be hard to convince the Council and Stagecoach to fund such a system based on what - a seaside resort that has several routes of access.

Surely the best parking is at the ice house always empty , I know probably not for the elderly or physically less able but for most a nice ten min walk .

Quoted from WayneBurnettsJockstrap

I dont think anybody does. It is a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma.

perhaps we could start a thread on it?!? ;) ??)

Quoted from crusty ole pie

As I speak the roof is being ripped off the pontoon and being replaced this week bit last minute

Club was told on Thursday that it had to be replace for safety issues.

Quoted from RonMariner

Barrow have erected a couple of new stands in the close season. One on the West terrace that added 371 seats, and one in the north east corner that increases away seating by 522 seats.

I can't help but think there is space in the open corners for at least 1,000 extra seats. Any replacement of the Main stand would almost certainly lead to a temporary reduction in capacity, maybe even for an entire season. So to my mind, you put the extra seats in the corners first, then address the Main stand.

But something needs to be done. We are a club going places, with great momentum. I can see us at the top end of L1 before long, and there is no reason why we shouldn't expect gates for big matches to have the potential to be well over 10,000. That capacity and more could be accommodated at BP if the ground is improved. Certainlly a more realistic option than dreaming about £50 million new stadium.

We never got well over 10000 last time we were in Div 2 (championship)

Quoted from Norseman

We never got well over 10000 last time we were in Div 2 (championship)

Times have changed in the last 20 years. We need to look forward .

Quoted from The Yard Dog

Club was told on Thursday that it had to be replace for safety issues.

That is very last minute.com, leaving them just over a week to find a company who has the availability to come out immediately and assess what needs to be done etc and then get it completed in such a short time frame

I can only assume the lack of notice come about due to sudden structural damage/failure of the roof?

Again, the discussion about temporary seating has arisen but a question is why so we need them?

For the most part, fans are not situated behind the goal in the Ozzie, not the corner blocks, with this in mind, surely we only consider temporary seating once that is full regularly?

Before anyone talks about the view, I get that but having sat in the temporary seats last time, albeit for half time, the view wasn’t great either and with consistently increased numbers in all stands, the corners, particularly between findus and pontoon, the space is needed to some degree.

I know it’s about future planning but even I can see that the temporary seating would likely cost money and stand idle, that or you shut the Ozzie to home fans, which makes zero sense…

I’m not saying don’t look to the future but still nobody has answered the question of just how many are allegedly being turned away (at what point do clubs just accept this, you can’t keep expanding) or looked at how many extra seats it would provide and then income…

Quoted from aldi_01

Again, the discussion about temporary seating has arisen but a question is why so we need them?

For the most part, fans are not situated behind the goal in the Ozzie, not the corner blocks, with this in mind, surely we only consider temporary seating once that is full regularly?

Before anyone talks about the view, I get that but having sat in the temporary seats last time, albeit for half time, the view wasn’t great either and with consistently increased numbers in all stands, the corners, particularly between findus and pontoon, the space is needed to some degree.

I know it’s about future planning but even I can see that the temporary seating would likely cost money and stand idle, that or you shut the Ozzie to home fans, which makes zero sense…

I’m not saying don’t look to the future but still nobody has answered the question of just how many are allegedly being turned away (at what point do clubs just accept this, you can’t keep expanding) or looked at how many extra seats it would provide and then income…

If you tell me how many people decided not to go for a walk yesterday because it was raining I will tell you how many people are being turned away from Blundell Park due to lack of availability of suitable seats.

Quoted from rancido

And as the capacity increases and the attendance increases , the available car parking spaces ( on street parking) remains the same. All this talk of park and ride is just not viable. A park and ride purely for BP is not financially viable for 26 occasions a year and it would be hard to convince the Council and Stagecoach to fund such a system based on what - a seaside resort that has several routes of access.

Surely the point is about a matchday specific park and ride system, not a day-to-day one.

The club have (and will continue to have) data on season ticket holders, of which they now form the absolute majority of those going.  That data could be used to determine where people are coming in from, use that to strategically set-up park and ride systems.  Even without using the data you would think for those who will be travelling in from outside the Grimsby/Clee boundaries, you've only really got three routes.  1) A46 - set one up at Grimsby College/Nuns Corner, huge car park which isn't used on weekends.  2) A180 - Surely to god there's something around the Pyewipe we could utilise, even if it's not exactly the same spot every week.  There's huge variation in how full the massive depots are for new cars.  3) A16 - I suspect it's the lesser flow of GTFC traffic of the 3, Tollbar's got a decent sized car park.

Closer to the ground for those who will want to drive in or it's more convenient, it's just about making best use of what's around us.  The aforementioned Ice House. Grant Street car park, which is virtually empty from September through to April, even in the height of summer it seems vastly under-utilised.  Both 10 minute walks from the ground.  Easy enough to do an online booking system for them or just have a bloke on the gate charging £2.

Yeah, at the minute you can find street parking as you get closer to the ground if you get there early enough.  But last season tested this, I suspect this season will be the same if not worse.  If, big if, we do increase capacity and attendance then we will need to think differently about these things.    It's not impossible either.  Parking should not be the motivator behind a stadium move in my opinion, especially when there are options available to us.

Quoted from HerveJosse

If you tell me how many people decided not to go for a walk yesterday because it was raining I will tell you how many people are being turned away from Blundell Park due to lack of availability of suitable seats.

Excellent analogy.

The simple answer is we just don't know.  We'll never know unless we took a poll of every single person who has ever thought about GTFC in their life.

I'm convinced it's an ongoing issue.  It's a small sample and a lot of it is anecdotal, but it is happening on this very forum.  People aren't coming because only excrement seats are available.  The excrement seats should be discounted from the overall capacity.

The overflow for the Osmond is a fair point, if we're not fully utilising that then there's little point in expanding any other areas.  But last season the overflows were opened last minute, by which point there's the potential that we missed the boat on some fans who simply found something else to do having seen 5 days before kick-off that only excrement seats were available.

A better and a more entertaining team will always attract more fans.  I firmly believe we're going for it this season, I think we'll be challenging and giving a lot of fancied teams bloody noses.  I also think we're in for an entertaining performance that's packed with pace, energy, high press and a lot of intensity.  Both of those are going to see an increase on demand from last season.

I appreciate you can't just put temp seats in 'just in case'.  But there's also something about being bold, brave and seeing what happens.  Rent some seats out for the first few months of the season, see what happens.  If it doesn't work, the losses are minimal.  But least we know.

That I'm aware of, nothing has been done to improve the season-ticket release scheme.  That's a problem that, in my opinion, should have been high on the list of priorities for the summer.   That, along with the reluctance to try something different in the corners, is something I've a feeling we might be regretting if we hit the floor running.

Quoted from diehardmariner

Excellent analogy.

The simple answer is we just don't know.  We'll never know unless we took a poll of every single person who has ever thought about GTFC in their life.

I'm convinced it's an ongoing issue.  It's a small sample and a lot of it is anecdotal, but it is happening on this very forum.  People aren't coming because only excrement seats are available.  The excrement seats should be discounted from the overall capacity.

The overflow for the Osmond is a fair point, if we're not fully utilising that then there's little point in expanding any other areas.  But last season the overflows were opened last minute, by which point there's the potential that we missed the boat on some fans who simply found something else to do having seen 5 days before kick-off that only excrement seats were available.

A better and a more entertaining team will always attract more fans.  I firmly believe we're going for it this season, I think we'll be challenging and giving a lot of fancied teams bloody noses.  I also think we're in for an entertaining performance that's packed with pace, energy, high press and a lot of intensity.  Both of those are going to see an increase on demand from last season.

I appreciate you can't just put temp seats in 'just in case'.  But there's also something about being bold, brave and seeing what happens.  Rent some seats out for the first few months of the season, see what happens.  If it doesn't work, the losses are minimal.  But least we know.

That I'm aware of, nothing has been done to improve the season-ticket release scheme.  That's a problem that, in my opinion, should have been high on the list of priorities for the summer.   That, along with the reluctance to try something different in the corners, is something I've a feeling we might be regretting if we hit the floor running.

I know we are talking about capacity increase a lot to please non regulars and stayaway fans , but surely improving the experience for regularw is the priority (which has already been done to some degree ) I think continuing to do that with a new PA system and the replacement of the roofs and none impeded views would be a starting point , we have the use of the majority of the osmond for 70% of the season and would get it for probably 50% of the time even in league 1 - increase capacity by 200 or 300 which seems relatively easy on the face of it ; see if we regularly fill BP with improved matchday experience and go from there .

There are plenty of tickets available for Wimbledon
Will be loads for Salford
I think we are maybe overthinking the capacity as a problem atm when in probability it won't be all season unless we do really well and there is in fact 2k glory seekers kicking around .

Quoted from Mappers

I know we are talking about capacity increase a lot to please non regulars and stayaway fans , but surely improving the experience for regularw is the priority (which has already been done to some degree ) I think continuing to do that with a new PA system and the replacement of the roofs and none impeded views would be a starting point , we have the use of the majority of the osmond for 70% of the season and would get it for probably 50% of the time even in league 1 - increase capacity by 200 or 300 which seems relatively easy on the face of it ; see if we regularly fill BP with improved matchday experience and go from there .

There are plenty of tickets available for Wimbledon
Will be loads for Salford
I think we are maybe overthinking the capacity as a problem atm when in probability it won't be all season unless we do really well and there is in fact 2k glory seekers kicking around .

The problem with this is that we will be reducing home capacity for the most attractive fixtures. How many other clubs in the EFL do this? Surely we should be busting a gut to please non-regular and stayaway fans. How else are the club going to convert them into loyal regulars?

Quoted from Mappers

Surely the best parking is at the ice house always empty , I know probably not for the elderly or physically less able but for most a nice ten min walk .

Surely that depends on if the owners want it used as a car park?

Dunno about it being a "nice" ten min walk...

Quoted from Mappers

Surely the best parking is at the ice house always empty , I know probably not for the elderly or physically less able but for most a nice ten min walk .

Google maps says 19 minutes walk and about 1 mile

Quoted from diehardmariner

Surely the point is about a matchday specific park and ride system, not a day-to-day one.

The club have (and will continue to have) data on season ticket holders, of which they now form the absolute majority of those going.  That data could be used to determine where people are coming in from, use that to strategically set-up park and ride systems.  Even without using the data you would think for those who will be travelling in from outside the Grimsby/Clee boundaries, you've only really got three routes.  1) A46 - set one up at Grimsby College/Nuns Corner, huge car park which isn't used on weekends.  2) A180 - Surely to god there's something around the Pyewipe we could utilise, even if it's not exactly the same spot every week.  There's huge variation in how full the massive depots are for new cars.  3) A16 - I suspect it's the lesser flow of GTFC traffic of the 3, Tollbar's got a decent sized car park.

Closer to the ground for those who will want to drive in or it's more convenient, it's just about making best use of what's around us.  The aforementioned Ice House. Grant Street car park, which is virtually empty from September through to April, even in the height of summer it seems vastly under-utilised.  Both 10 minute walks from the ground.  Easy enough to do an online booking system for them or just have a bloke on the gate charging £2.

Yeah, at the minute you can find street parking as you get closer to the ground if you get there early enough.  But last season tested this, I suspect this season will be the same if not worse.  If, big if, we do increase capacity and attendance then we will need to think differently about these things.    It's not impossible either.  Parking should not be the motivator behind a stadium move in my opinion, especially when there are options available to us.

I fail to see how a match specific park and ride scheme for approx 30 times a year could ever be financially viable. Even if you could locate a site for the parking aspect , you then have to get a company on board for the ride aspect.
The only options available are either existing car parks or car parks attached to private companies that you would have to get on board to make it successful. If the existing car parks were an option then surely fans would use the? As an example, Grant Street car park is only a 5 minute walk from the bus stop at Cross Street ( opposite Typsy Tavern ). Several buses stop there that go by the ground. There are car parks off Freeman Street with a regular No 3 bus service that goes past the ground.

Quoted from Mappers

I know we are talking about capacity increase a lot to please non regulars and stayaway fans , but surely improving the experience for regularw is the priority (which has already been done to some degree ) I think continuing to do that with a new PA system and the replacement of the roofs and none impeded views would be a starting point , we have the use of the majority of the osmond for 70% of the season and would get it for probably 50% of the time even in league 1 - increase capacity by 200 or 300 which seems relatively easy on the face of it ; see if we regularly fill BP with improved matchday experience and go from there .

There are plenty of tickets available for Wimbledon
Will be loads for Salford
I think we are maybe overthinking the capacity as a problem atm when in probability it won't be all season unless we do really well and there is in fact 2k glory seekers kicking around .

I don't know how many plenty is but as of now, the ticket site shows 3 in the upper, 2 in the pontoon, 103 in the main ( nearly all restricted views ) and about 200 in the osmond. About 308 in all so it looks like a full house to me; less ST's who don't turn up.

Quoted from rancido

I fail to see how a match specific park and ride scheme for approx 30 times a year could ever be financially viable. Even if you could locate a site for the parking aspect , you then have to get a company on board for the ride aspect.
The only options available are either existing car parks or car parks attached to private companies that you would have to get on board to make it successful. If the existing car parks were an option then surely fans would use the? As an example, Grant Street car park is only a 5 minute walk from the bus stop at Cross Street ( opposite Typsy Tavern ). Several buses stop there that go by the ground. There are car parks off Freeman Street with a regular No 3 bus service that goes past the ground.

I didn't say use park and ride for Grant Street etc.  That was suggested as an option for those who want to drive in as close to the ground as they can.  Regardless, a park and ride goes straight to the ground.  If you're getting the 9X at Nunns Corner it goes bottom about mammary to get to the ground, stopping every 2 minutes to pick others up.  That's the point of park and ride, it's in and out quicker than anything else.

It's not about financial viability, it's about exploring options.  If the barrier is that we would have to get companies on board to use their car parks then we might as well just give up.  You only find an answer if you ask the question.  You can't seriously tell me that every company wouldn't be interested in letting out their unused car-park for, as you say, 30 times a year for a little bit of extra revenue.

I'm not claiming it's the solution.  I'm just saying we'll have to think differently if do end up, as I'm sure we all hope we do, more successful and therefore with bigger gates.

Quoted from Mappers

I know we are talking about capacity increase a lot to please non regulars and stayaway fans , but surely improving the experience for regularw is the priority (which has already been done to some degree ) I think continuing to do that with a new PA system and the replacement of the roofs and none impeded views would be a starting point , we have the use of the majority of the osmond for 70% of the season and would get it for probably 50% of the time even in league 1 - increase capacity by 200 or 300 which seems relatively easy on the face of it ; see if we regularly fill BP with improved matchday experience and go from there .

There are plenty of tickets available for Wimbledon
Will be loads for Salford
I think we are maybe overthinking the capacity as a problem atm when in probability it won't be all season unless we do really well and there is in fact 2k glory seekers kicking around .

I don't disagree that things need improving for the current fanbase. I'm a bit miffed at the wooden additions to the Main Stand if I'm honest. I think they're cheap bodge-jobs that impact more on the view than pictures let on. The PA system is a joke, you might as well not bother with one such is the muffled sound that comes from it.

But I also think you can have more than one priority at the same time.

Only time will tell on the capacity/ticket/availability issue.

Quoted from rancido

I fail to see how a match specific park and ride scheme for approx 30 times a year could ever be financially viable. Even if you could locate a site for the parking aspect , you then have to get a company on board for the ride aspect.
The only options available are either existing car parks or car parks attached to private companies that you would have to get on board to make it successful. If the existing car parks were an option then surely fans would use the? As an example, Grant Street car park is only a 5 minute walk from the bus stop at Cross Street ( opposite Typsy Tavern ). Several buses stop there that go by the ground. There are car parks off Freeman Street with a regular No 3 bus service that goes past the ground.

If you go to an established operator who the club already have a connection with (Acklams), ask them to build a business model and feasibility plan i have a feeling they'd come up with a profitable service to add to their already quite considerable portfolio..

Quoted from Norseman

We never got well over 10000 last time we were in Div 2 (championship)

Neither did Bolton , Barnsley , Bradford , Birmingham etc

We don’t need a park and ride just a bloody good bus operator that parks up half a dozen buses going each way after the matches and not just having the timetabled buses
Stagecoach is an absolute joke not interested in putting buses on when there is demand

Could there be provisions to make Harrington street a kind of bus lane (football traffic only*) from 1-6ish for weekend home games 🤷🏻‍♂️. Totally realise that this is out of the clubs hands

And also wouldn’t it make sense for new clee train station to be utilised a lot more by the train companies

*residents excepted

How are the busses going to get to and from Harrington street?
the side streets are too narrow and will be busy with football traffic.

Wherever the football stadium is situated there will be traffic problems, say I stating the obvious. The point is though you just have to look for solutions, or a series of solutions that makes it better for the majority of fans. Nothing is unsurmountable in terms of logistics whatever the circumstances so even if somebody builds us a new stadium tomorrow the traffic logistics would still need solving.

I don't think they have shown this part of their armoury yet but I would expect the owners to come up with clever solutions for the stadium, the capacity and the problems anything new brings.

Quoted from Davec

That is very last minute.com, leaving them just over a week to find a company who has the availability to come out immediately and assess what needs to be done etc and then get it completed in such a short time frame

I can only assume the lack of notice come about due to sudden structural damage/failure of the roof?

The club were actually quite fortunate with this one, two experts were in the area and noticed one of the sheets had slipped so they stopped their white transit pick up, knocked on the office door and said they could do the job as it was a serious threat to safety.....£500 if it was cash...agreement made and the men set about their task.
Just a few hours later they returned to the office and said it was worse than expected and had to strip the entire roof, and replacement would now be £100k .

Quoted from moosey_club

The club were actually quite fortunate with this one, two experts were in the area and noticed one of the sheets had slipped so they stopped there white transit pick up, knocked on the office door and said they could do the job as it was a serious threat to safety.....£500 if it was cash...agreement made and the men set about their task.
Just a few hours later they returned to the office and said it was worse than expected and had to strip the entire roof, and replacement would now be £100k .

Two experts? This sounds like the Irish travellers who tried to scam my parents out of money by knocking on their door about their roof lol.

Quoted from The_Laughing_Mariner

How are the busses going to get to and from Harrington street?
the side streets are too narrow and will be busy with football traffic.

I’d say that either end would be a good start!

Maybe docks beers might do a shuttle bus service (say £10 gets you a pint and the bus).

Quoted from WOZOFGRIMSBY

I’d say that either end would be a good start!

Maybe docks beers might do a shuttle bus service (say £10 gets you a pint and the bus).

They did this last year, not sure what uptake was but it was £10 for travel and a pint...

https://twitter.com/DocksBeers/status/1483519187368783886?t=f1UCY-YvIDnyVWVuCIluBg&s=19

Quoted from The_Laughing_Mariner

How are the busses going to get to and from Harrington street?
the side streets are too narrow and will be busy with football traffic.

The away team buses manage it.

Quoted from WOZOFGRIMSBY

Could there be provisions to make Harrington street a kind of bus lane (football traffic only*) from 1-6ish for weekend home games 🤷🏻‍♂️. Totally realise that this is out of the clubs hands

And also wouldn’t it make sense for new clee train station to be utilised a lot more by the train companies

*residents excepted

They can’t make it a dogshit free zone so you’ve got no chance 🤔😂

Screw tractor watch I want roof watch.

Quoted from grimps

People seem to be adamant that we can change the height or the gradient of a possible new Main stand .
It doesn’t seem to ever stop bungalows being able to build higher dormers etc when seeking planning permission.
I’m sure they could easily rebuild something holding 5000 seats plus all the amenities needed underneath

The Main Stand capacity at the moment is said to be around 2300. Looking at satellite images, I'd say closer to 4000 was theoretically possible.

https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@53.5705597,-0.046351,158m/data=!3m1!1e3?entry=ttu

If Stockwood and Pettit did build a new stand, I'd like to think they would not annoy the neighbours by making it higher than the current one.

Quoted from DB

The away team buses manage it.

I don't see why a Park and Ride would need to go down Harrington Street. Surely Thorold Street is fine and it's much more bus friendly. You would need to remove the ability to park on matchdays but there aren't any houses down there.

It won't happen but a train running back and forth from New Clee to Healing, calling at Great Coates and Grimsby Town would be brilliant on matchdays.

Quoted from RonMariner

We are a club going places, with great momentum. I can see us at the top end of L1 before long, and there is no reason why we shouldn't expect gates for big matches to have the potential to be well over 10,000. That capacity and more could be accommodated at BP if the ground is improved. Certainlly a more realistic option than dreaming about £50 million new stadium.

Probably best to wait until we've been promoted from League Two before making statements like that.

I've said this before, and I'll say it again: I don't think the council will give permission for more than 10k at Blundell Park. That is basically just extending the Main Stand to the Pontoon.

NELC might be more sympathetic to BP redevelopment if there hadn't been a STADIUM-SIZED PLOT OF LAND at Freeman Street staring us in the face for four and a half years.

The Council did ask the club to move in 1992 I believe, but have done nothing to assist since then.

Quoted from crusty ole pie

We don’t need a park and ride just a bloody good bus operator that parks up half a dozen buses going each way after the matches and not just having the timetabled buses
Stagecoach is an absolute joke not interested in putting buses on when there is demand

The park & ride at Lincoln for the Christmas market is fantastic, whoever organises that needs a pay rise it works like a fine tuned instrument

Quoted from Simon

The park & ride at Lincoln for the Christmas market is fantastic, whoever organises that needs a pay rise it works like a fine tuned instrument

Not required anymore, Christmas cancelled in Lincoln now.

Quoted from IlkleyMariner

Google maps says 19 minutes walk and about 1 mile

It usually takes me, walking at a reasonable pace, about 20 minutes to get to the station for my train back down to Surrey.

Yeah google maps is for slow paced walkers no doubt can easily knock a good 10 minutes off ; like a satnav.

In the seven years I have had a season ticket I have tried all sort of routes back to the station. If I beat 20 minutes then that is good. However, I am 72 and that may have something to do with it.

Quoted from Simon

The park & ride at Lincoln for the Christmas market is fantastic, whoever organises that needs a pay rise it works like a fine tuned instrument

I would imagine the people that use it are from out of town , which makes sense. It quite likely that local people either use local bus services or walk.

Yeah i don't know about that way Rob , maybe the sea wall shortcut ? I have not walked down there in about 20 years remember used to go in the pub that was on the main strip where the boy racers frequented that was equally as long ago , don't know if it's still there .

Quoted from Mappers

Yeah i don't know about that way Rob , maybe the sea wall shortcut ? I have not walked down there in about 20 years remember used to go in the pub that was on the main strip where the boy racers frequented that was equally as long ago , don't know if it's still there .

I usually walk to the ground that way and it still takes about 20 minutes. But that is probably me reminiscing, about as a child back in the 60's walking from the pier right down to the docks, which is making me take so long.

There’s clearly an appetite for something to be done, on here at least. This is something the Trust should be picking up, otherwise there’s a danger that this becomes an ongoing issue and by the the time it comes for action to be taken it might end up being too late for any meaningful engagement with fans.

Quoted from NorthseaMariner

The Council did ask the club to move in 1992 I believe, but have done nothing to assist since then.

Except grant planning permission for Great Coates, offer them land at Peaks Parkway for pretty much sod all, identify a list of other sites along the way none of which suited a certain party the clubs plans and a total lack of funding of course didn't help much 🙄 ...neither did employing consultants with a zero record of delivering anything to lead the project.
The original Great Coates was massively hampered by the Nimbys , not really the councils fault as they have to follow due process and did grant permission in the end.
Wanting to build a 12 -20k stadium with virtually no cost to the club at all seemed to be dream scenario of a certain party....never feasible.
At least the new custodians have their heads screwed on regards that and aren't entertaining any chat or wasting resources trying to build castles in the sky and are focusing on achievables.

Quoted from grimps

Neither did Bolton , Barnsley , Bradford , Birmingham etc

And we didn't have over 5,000 season ticket holders either.

We should have ambitions to grow our supporter base.

If Grimsby fans on the council aren't allowed to vote on football related issues ( vested interest) then the decisions are made by people who don't get it, totally screwing the club and fans over. I think the vested interest rule is applied wrongly by the council so unless that's changed nothing will change

Quoted from grimps

Neither did Bolton , Barnsley , Bradford , Birmingham etc

Do some research and you will find average attendances last year for all of those clubs were more than 10000 .Barnsley being the lowest at around 12000.Thats including Bolton being league 1 and Bradford league 2 .Both sides with the potential to double their already decent attendances in the championship

Quoted from Norseman

Do some research and you will find average attendances last year for all of those clubs were more than 10000 .Barnsley being the lowest at around 12000.Thats including Bolton being league 1 and Bradford league 2 .Both sides with the potential to double their already decent attendances in the championship

Isn’t that the whole point? Those clubs didn’t get over 10,000 at games back in the 90s but football has moved on. Your assertion that we couldn’t get over 10,000 at games because we didn’t 30 years ago is a pointless comparison as proven by the aforementioned teams. Attendances at games are up in general. We currently can’t get over 10,000 at games for the very obvious fact that our ground can’t accommodate anything like that number. But if the ground was improved or we got a new one, there’s no reason to think we wouldn’t be able to. And certainly not because we didn’t get those numbers 30 years ago.

We’ll soon find out how good the pontoon roof and the pitch are ….. it’s gonna pi££ it down on Saturday

Quoted from Mappers

I know we are talking about capacity increase a lot to please non regulars and stayaway fans , but surely improving the experience for regularw is the priority (which has already been done to some degree ) I think continuing to do that with a new PA system and the replacement of the roofs and none impeded views would be a starting point , we have the use of the majority of the osmond for 70% of the season and would get it for probably 50% of the time even in league 1 - increase capacity by 200 or 300 which seems relatively easy on the face of it ; see if we regularly fill BP with improved matchday experience and go from there .

There are plenty of tickets available for Wimbledon
Will be loads for Salford
I think we are maybe overthinking the capacity as a problem atm when in probability it won't be all season unless we do really well and there is in fact 2k glory seekers kicking around .

We need to do both, because improving the experience for regulars, makes the newcomers and part-timers more likely to come back.

If we just focus on what we have, which is a pretty much sold out BP that has very limited seats together with a decent view, what happens in 10 years, when some of todays regulars have moved away, work matchdays or no longer attending due to ill health or death? You end up with 10+ years of potential fans that aren't bothered and attendances start falling.

Quoted from Davec

That is very last minute.com, leaving them just over a week to find a company who has the availability to come out immediately and assess what needs to be done etc and then get it completed in such a short time frame

I can only assume the lack of notice come about due to sudden structural damage/failure of the roof?

I think you’re being kind. Surely if you require a safety certificate you get an independent expert in 6-8 weeks prior to do a mock audit. That’s pretty standard practice.

Then you have that timeframe to resolve any issues that have been found and you don’t get a bombshell landing 9 days before 1,800 customers are coming.

Quoted from Norseman

Do some research and you will find average attendances last year for all of those clubs were more than 10000 .Barnsley being the lowest at around 12000.Thats including Bolton being league 1 and Bradford league 2 .Both sides with the potential to double their already decent attendances in the championship

The problem is that these clubs were in the premier league at one time or another so will have gained fans just through their time playing there.

Football as a whole has become more popular again. I don’t know if this is down to accessibility/facilities, social media or even more coverage on tv.

We are fortunate to have the ‘feel good’ factor back (although am sure some didn’t enjoy the football at BP last season) within the club and the positivity that’s being created by the new board.

Quoted from crusty ole pie

We don’t need a park and ride just a bloody good bus operator that parks up half a dozen buses going each way after the matches and not just having the timetabled buses
Stagecoach is an absolute joke not interested in putting buses on when there is demand

That will help, but only to alleviate traffic congestion from those who are coming from the immediate area, i.e. the boundaries of Stagecoach's operation in Grimsby/Clee/Immingham.

The problem will have more than one solution.

Anyway, is the new roof back up now, or, are the Pontoonites going to get very wet?

The roofers will be having fun in this weather.

Quoted from ginnywings

The roofers will be having fun in this weather.

They need to stop p1ssing about and get on with the job.
One of them has just flown past my house using roof sheeting as a hang glider. 😉

Quoted from ginnywings

The roofers will be having fun in this weather.

Just drove past the ground no sign of roofers or roof

I've 1500 GTFC umbrellas going cheap, special offer, £20 each

Quoted from lew chaterleys lover

I've long come to the conclusion that the best location for us is in Cleethorpes- at BP.

It is big enough for any scenario in the next few years, capacities can be increased over time, we own the site with an iconic sea view, have the history and memories.

Seriously, what memories? We haven't played in the top flight since 1948. That is 75 years ago.

Quoted from White_shorts

Seriously, what memories? We haven't played in the top flight since 1948. That is 75 years ago.

You only get memories in the top flight, or Freemo in your case?

Quoted from White_shorts

Seriously, what memories? We haven't played in the top flight since 1948. That is 75 years ago.

I'll have to erase the 1-0 win against Spurs from my memory then as it wasn't in the top flight. What a ridiculous thing to say.

Quoted from Mappers

Look at extending the main the full length of the pitch with a new roof , re- configuration and a decent disability section with a new press box would probably take it up to 9.5k more than sufficient for league 1 , if we ever get any higher a fully rebuilt findus would provide ample capacity.

I say 9.5k is barely adequate for League One. We would struggle to stay in the third tier, playing many teams who have ambition to reach the Championship.

I don't think the council would give permission to extend the upper Findus the full length of the pitch, if that's what you're suggesting.

Quoted from White_shorts

Seriously, what memories? We haven't played in the top flight since 1948. That is 75 years ago.

Am not sure if this is antagonistic or just nonsense.

Town have played some amazing games in the past, but they don’t have to be top flight games so they? Mine consist of Watford 1985 fa cup : my first game, Boston circa 92 when Paul futcher scored, my 18th birthday 7-1 fa cup won over luton, Fulham playoff game, beating Exeter to win promotion etc etc

Anyone been past today, how's the roof going?

Quoted from HerveJosse

Just drove past the ground no sign of roofers or roof

They will not work in these conditions due to safety.
Umbrellas? Only the back row I'm afraid.
Anyway, it will be immersing yourselves in yesteryear fan-viewing nostalgia, when all the grounds were open to the elements. Enjoy!

Quoted from Simon

Anyone been past today, how's the roof going?

https://twitter.com/chrissybarker65/status/1686735902641438721?s=46

Quoted from GrimPol

They will not work in these conditions due to safety.
Umbrellas? Only the back row I'm afraid.
Anyway, it will be immersing yourselves in yesteryear fan-viewing nostalgia, when all the grounds were open to the elements. Enjoy!

Bit of rain doesn't normally stop cladding being installed, well it doesn't on our sites

Quoted from Simon

Bit of rain doesn't normally stop cladding being installed, well it doesn't on our sites

It's not my area of expertise but as regards Health and Safety, is cladding assessed with the same criteria as roofing?

Quoted from rancido

It's not my area of expertise but…

Well it’s not stopped anyone else chiming in so far, so don’t feel bad.

Quoted from ska face

Well it’s not stopped anyone else chiming in so far, so don’t feel bad.

Thank you. I don't feel bad but don't like commenting about something that I know very little about.

Quoted from rancido

Thank you. I don't feel bad but don't like commenting about something that I know very little about.

You could easily make managerial level at certain places where I have worked by doing just that

Quoted from Simon

Anyone been past today, how's the roof going?

Last seen floating down the Humber.

They hope to get it back on the next high tide.

And back in place by mid day Saturday.

Otherwise all fans can obtain a packa. .Mac for only 50p obtainable from the club shop before the game.

Quoted from grimsby pete

Last seen floating down the Humber.

They hope to get it back on the next high tide.

And back in place by mid day Saturday.

Otherwise all fans can obtain a packa. .Mac for only 50p obtainable from the club shop before the game.

Do the pacamacs have GTFC badge on them or are they a job lot from Temu?

Quoted from WayneBurnettsJockstrap

Do the pacamacs have GTFC badge on them or are they a job lot from Temu?

I believe they were found in a box at the back of the cage between the Main and the Osmond.
They’re red and have a ‘Connoco Stadium’ Logo 😉

Quoted from Civvy at last

I believe they were found in a box at the back of the cage between the Main and the Osmond.
They’re red and have a ‘Connoco Stadium’ Logo 😉

Don’t you mean conoco’s

Quoted from WOZOFGRIMSBY

Don’t you mean conoco’s

Think they were printed by the same company that made the catering sign for the Chesseburger !!!!

My wife just been pass BP and says still no roof ??)

Quoted from heppy88

My wife just been pass BP and says still no roof ??)

Ironic that this pop up advert was there!

Quoted from heppy88

My wife just been pass BP and says still no roof ??)

There is part roof. I thought the same until closer inspection.
They are starting at the back of the stand and working forwards.
But from the Street you can only see the front of the roof which is the bit yet to be done.

Quoted from WOZOFGRIMSBY

Ironic that this pop up advert was there!

It’s not ironic; it’s an algorithm based on a combination of the contents of the page you are viewing (hence roof repair) and your recent search history.

Have you been searching for..erm…toys? 😶

Quoted from Simon

Bit of rain doesn't normally stop cladding being installed, well it doesn't on our sites

Wind and rain? I'm not a Construction Engineer, but Gusts have stopped projects I've been involved in.
But if it wasn't Gusts and Rain stopping the roofing, then its a mystery as the GTFC and GrimsbyDead sites have been shtum.

Quoted from Poojah

It’s not ironic; it’s an algorithm based on a combination of the contents of the page you are viewing (hence roof repair) and your recent search history.

Have you been searching for..erm…toys? 😶

Must’ve been one of my kids 🤔

Honest guv!

At least it wasn't adverts for gimp suits...

Roof all ready for Saturday utm

Do we have any pictures?

Quoted from rancido

It's not my area of expertise but as regards Health and Safety, is cladding assessed with the same criteria as roofing?

Cladders will be qualified roofers and the sheets used to roof could very easily be constructed in the same manner as cladding, thus when it comes to the H&S some much will be aligned. What will effect the roof being completed will be safe access, yes the roofers will be attached with a harness and lanyard but winds generally over 26m/s will prevent working at height...
So in short, its not forecast for it to be blowing a hooley so there shouldn't be an issue getting the roof on for Saturday..

Quoted from Poojah

It’s not ironic; it’s an algorithm based on a combination of the contents of the page you are viewing (hence roof repair) and your recent search history.

Have you been searching for..erm…toys? 😶

.....or more amusingly The London Underground!

Why on earth did this Safety Advisory Group (whoever they are) come up with a 'last minute unexpected request to replace the roof' a week before the start of the season?
Anyway full marks to the club for getting the job done within such a short timescale.

Because they’re a bunch of fúcking Nesbits.

Apparently the old roof has been sold. A bloke called Dave (my contact says he's not sure what Dave's surname is) has taken it . Understand he's looking to build a new stadium about 30 miles from Grimsby and it's a bit of a rush job.
The old pontoon roof fits perfectly and will cover all four sides of the new stadium

The media side of things has been so improved over the last couple of years I was honestly expecting a time-lapse video of the roof replacement on Youtube along with some dramatic music by Friday night..

Quoted from Heswall Mariner

Why on earth did this Safety Advisory Group (whoever they are) come up with a 'last minute unexpected request to replace the roof' a week before the start of the season?
Anyway full marks to the club for getting the job done within such a short timescale.

They didn’t it was part of structural report that was done a number of years ago the cub did not implement in the agreed time scale fact

I smell a bit of corporate BS in the statement. If it was so dangerous that it needed doing immediately, why did it host fans against Hull and Lincoln? I think a deadline has been given a long time ago and they have asked for confirmation that it would be done. At which point, panic stations.

Quoted from jamesgtfc

I smell a bit of corporate BS in the statement. If it was so dangerous that it needed doing immediately, why did it host fans against Hull and Lincoln? I think a deadline has been given a long time ago and they have asked for confirmation that it would be done. At which point, panic stations.

I call BS too.

The Main Stand refurb was cocked up by the tender process and this looks unprofessional too.

Quoted from crusty ole pie

They didn’t it was part of structural report that was done a number of years ago the cub did not implement in the agreed time scale fact

Thanks for that Crusty - the club didn't make that clear in their statement.

I’d rather not speculate.
Let’s see what the club really really think.

Pleased I’m not sitting outdoors without a roof on Saturday

It’s just a shame it wasn’t three years ago. What a sight, John on the roof with hammer and nails. In this weather.

You know things are going pretty well when people are trying to find an angle to be drunk about this. Who honestly gives a toss?

Quoted from Rodley Mariner

You know things are going pretty well when people are trying to find an angle to be drunk about this. Who honestly gives a toss?

Nobody’s looking for an angle FFS. There’s no way a professional football club should be needing to replace a full roof on a stand in the last week of preseason. Especially when they’ve had three months to prepare.

Quoted from MuddyWaters

Nobody’s looking for an angle FFS. There’s no way a professional football club should be needing to replace a full roof on a stand in the last week of preseason. Especially when they’ve had three months to prepare.

Possibly, but with that logic, Luton with their ambition should’ve redeveloped their ground in preparation for promotion last season.

It really does seem like a few fans trying to pick fault when it took a mere 4 days to complete and solve. Possibly late but given things people have heard, I wouldn’t be at all surprised if they had been told something completely different by the previous owner, they’ve trusted that word and it’s not been true…

Literally a whole raft of speculation and nobody really knowing the truth, and in truth, it doesn’t really matter. It’s finished. The end.

Quoted from MuddyWaters

Nobody’s looking for an angle FFS. There’s no way a professional football club should be needing to replace a full roof on a stand in the last week of preseason. Especially when they’ve had three months to prepare.

Who gives a intercourse? We need a new roof for the start of the season and we'll have one.

Quoted from Heswall Mariner

Why on earth did this Safety Advisory Group (whoever they are) come up with a 'last minute unexpected request to replace the roof' a week before the start of the season?
Anyway full marks to the club for getting the job done within such a short timescale.

Yeah it seems like a bit of an act of sabotage to demand the repairs take place a week before the season starts.
You’d have imagined their inspection took place a while before surely ?

Quoted from grimps

Yeah it seems like a bit of an act of sabotage to demand the repairs take place a week before the season starts.
You’d have imagined their inspection took place a while before surely ?

Why does there have to be a massive conspiracy theory about it? It’s getting done so let’s just get over it. For all we know this could’ve been recommended years ago but got ‘lost’ somewhere in a mountain of paperwork

Quoted from MuddyWaters

Nobody’s looking for an angle FFS. There’s no way a professional football club should be needing to replace a full roof on a stand in the last week of preseason. Especially when they’ve had three months to prepare.

Canny move by the club....three months less wear and tear extends the life of the roof. It's almost Fentyesque in its penny watching.

Quoted from moosey_club

Canny move by the club....three months less wear and tear extends the life of the roof. It's almost Fentyesque in its penny watching.

It's a lovely idea but, as GTFC plan for their stands to be used for 150+ years, an extra 3 months is unlikely to impact significantly on it.

I can foresee the GTFC owner in 2173 explaining to fans that the Ponny roof was 'upgraded' in 2023 as we prepare for our first game defending the Champions League that we won in 2172.

Quoted from aldi_01

Possibly, but with that logic, Luton with their ambition should’ve redeveloped their ground in preparation for promotion last season.

It really does seem like a few fans trying to pick fault when it took a mere 4 days to complete and solve. Possibly late but given things people have heard, I wouldn’t be at all surprised if they had been told something completely different by the previous owner, they’ve trusted that word and it’s not been true…

Literally a whole raft of speculation and nobody really knowing the truth, and in truth, it doesn’t really matter. It’s finished. The end.

That's not the same thing with Luton, but it's not a big deal either way. The huge turnover in staff has most likely resulted in things being overlooked or missed. The only downside is that it probably cost a lot more to do it so late in the day than it should have. Or maybe this was the work that was too late to tender so they left it for next season expecting a grace period.

Quoted from BobbyCummingsTackle

It's a lovely idea but, as GTFC plan for their stands to be used for 150+ years, an extra 3 months is unlikely to impact significantly on it.

I can foresee the GTFC owner in 2173 explaining to fans that the Ponny roof was 'upgraded' in 2023 as we prepare for our first game defending the Champions League that we won in 2172.

That owner is Mrs Clifton, great granddaughter of club legend Harry Clifton. Harry is, of course, all time record appearance holder and the only player to have played for Town from the National League to the Champions League.

She is speaking after opening the Harry Clifton Stand, a 20,000 seat capacity stand that runs from the Osmond Stand to the Pontoon and includes dressing rooms, club offices and facilities for 5,000 'matchday experiences'.

The Main Stand is still in use and posters on the The Fishy are still suggesting that the houses that back on to the Main Stand could be bought to rebuild the stand. Some posters do accept that this plan is now looking unlikely as global warming means that those houses are now highly desirable waterfront properties valued at between 1 and 1.5 million quid each.

Quoted from pen penfras

The huge turnover in staff has most likely resulted in things being overlooked or missed.

What difference would that make? There’s only been one Ops & Safety Manager since Nick Dale disappeared, unless you think the commercial dept or ticket office staff looked after the roof as well

Quoted from ska face

What difference would that make? There’s only been one Ops & Safety Manager since Nick Dale disappeared, unless you think the commercial dept or ticket office staff looked after the roof as well

Good to see pen returning to form, with a sly dig, after a long absence. Things were sooo much better under JSF........ (didn't have any trouble in getting a seat at B.P. under him did we?)

Quoted from BobbyCummingsTackle

That owner is Mrs Clifton, great granddaughter of club legend Harry Clifton. Harry is, of course, all time record appearance holder and the only player to have played for Town from the National League to the Champions League.

She is speaking after opening the Harry Clifton Stand, a 20,000 seat capacity stand that runs from the Osmond Stand to the Pontoon and includes dressing rooms, club offices and facilities for 5,000 'matchday experiences'.

The Main Stand is still in use and posters on the The Fishy are still suggesting that the houses that back on to the Main Stand could be bought to rebuild the stand. Some posters do accept that this plan is now looking unlikely as global warming means that those houses are now highly desirable waterfront properties valued at between 1 and 1.5 million quid each.

Mrs Clifton also explains that the club is doubly excited by the opening of the new stand because, at some point in January or February, The Guiness Book Of Records will officially recognise the top 2 rows in the stand as the coldest place on earth.

Quoted from forza ivano

Good to see pen returning to form, with a sly dig, after a long absence. Things were sooo much better under JSF........ (didn't have any trouble in getting a seat at B.P. under him did we?)

Exactly, true to form & not really much to say. Could you imagine the scenario if Fenty had still been running the show & told to replace the entire roof of a sold-out stand 9 days before the start of the season?

He’d be on the front of the paper waving his arms about, one of his friends or relatives would’ve ended up with the job, it would’ve been an open-air Pontoon until Christmas and the bill would’ve been tacked onto the benign debt.

Forgive me for being overly generous, but looks to me like the club’ve managed to replace the entire roof at short notice within a week using a local firm & commercial sponsor, and nobody would’ve known if not for a few posts on here. Decent job by the looks of it.

Essential maintenance required Essential maintenance completed. Well done all JSF and his ladder not required. UTM

Ultimately it's done in time.  No-one is harmed and no-one is going to get wet/turn up and find the Pontoon is deemed unsafe and having to sit pitchside and double up as a ball-boy/girl.  The sight of the Pontoon without a roof was as equally exciting as it was disturbing.  Be a ballache to clean but a stand with a clear roof would be something special.

But this should be a learning curve for the club and I'm sure it will be.  It was close to the bone and I dread to think what would have happened had we not managed to get a roof sorted.  Equally so the 'structural improvements' to the Main Stand, whatever has happened should be reflected on and improved on.

There's some slack due here.  1878 haven't, to my knowledge anyway, run a business with a 124-year-old operating base, one that's also seem a sustained period of neglect before they came into ownership.  There's probably not that many people who do have experience of dealing with a ground that's falling apart.  It might also be that when the bathwater went out with a lot of staff, some of that sticky plaster type knowledge went with them.  Again, learning point.

There are things 1878 do very well and I think there are things they will, if they're honest, look back on and think they need to do better with next time.  We can all accept that.   I think their style is not one that will point out the bloody obvious at times that excrement is falling apart now because Fenty did intercourse all with it for 20 years and he kept everything so close to his chest that very few people knew what was going on.  I can respect that level of dignified approach to a certain degree, but I equally so wouldn't mind flexing on it and in turn cutting themselves a bit of slack.

The other thing is they're quite guarded and don't give a lot away with what's going, especially around the ground. Again, that's not a bad thing.  But it opens themselves up to criticism, or should I say their critiques.  They've hinted at it via the points about extra funding becoming available next year, but would them openly coming out and saying 'we're going to absolutely try and drag any significant repairs out knowing it'll effectively be free next summer' cut a little slack?  Definitely not their style.

One final point, I think they perhaps impressed too soon with their initial ground improvements.  The removal of the metal barriers at the front of the Upper as their first big statement was quite something.  I wonder if that set the expectations too high for the rest of the ground, in comparison everything else (both in terms of the improvement and the timescale) hasn't quite had that wow factor.

Quoted from Civvy at last

It’s just a shame it wasn’t three years ago. What a sight, John on the roof with hammer and nails. In this weather.

The image of a shirtless JSF going at it hammer and tongs on the pontoon roof in the rain is not a pleasant one

Quoted from bedders78

The image of a shirtless JSF going at it hammer and tongs on the pontoon roof in the rain is not a pleasant one

Shouting at the storm like a Poundland King Lear.

Quoted from bedders78

The image of a shirtless JSF going at it hammer and tongs on the pontoon roof in the rain is not a pleasant one

Mrs Fenty has just called me to confirm that a shirtless JSF going at it hammer and tongs is, indeed, not a pleasant sight. But the counselling is going well and she is hopeful that the dosage of medication can be reduced soon.

Quoted from BobbyCummingsTackle

It's a lovely idea but, as GTFC plan for their stands to be used for 150+ years, an extra 3 months is unlikely to impact significantly on it.

I can foresee the GTFC owner in 2173 explaining to fans that the Ponny roof was 'upgraded' in 2023 as we prepare for our first game defending the Champions League that we won in 2172.

The Safety Advisory Group are a Local Authority thing (NELC) for events. They query a point that they want to sort or else no one can sit in that stand. Hats off to the board for the quick response and in a difficult weather window.!(clap)(clap2)
From memory, the JF board forgot to renew the alcohol licence and had to wait 3 months for the next application.

Quoted from bedders78

The image of a shirtless JSF going at it hammer and tongs on the pontoon roof in the rain is not a pleasant one

His good lady may disagree

Don't know what all the panic is about. Roof sheeting is one of the easiest jobs in the construction industry.

A week to do it was more than enough, even with the bad weather.

Aint half some drama queens about.

Quoted from ska face

What difference would that make? There’s only been one Ops & Safety Manager since Nick Dale disappeared, unless you think the commercial dept or ticket office staff looked after the roof as well

From experience of dealing with LA Building Inspectors recently I’d put my money on this being lateness in their inspection and reporting regime rather than GTFC. Staff and skill shortages are rampant.

Quoted from Limerick Mariner

From experience of dealing with LA Building Inspectors recently I’d put my money on this being lateness in their inspection and reporting regime rather than GTFC. Staff and skill shortages are rampant.

F*cking Hell! It's not surprising this was a mess if our building inspectors are based in Los Angeles.

Quoted from BobbyCummingsTackle

Mrs Fenty has just called me to confirm that a shirtless JSF going at it hammer and tongs is, indeed, not a pleasant sight. But the counselling is going well and she is hopeful that the dosage of medication can be reduced soon.

Mrs F the 1st, 2nd or 3rd?

Quoted from BobbyCummingsTackle

F*cking Hell! It's not surprising this was a mess if our building inspectors are based in Los Angeles.

They're based on Legsby Avenue.

(Probably).

Quoted from gtfc98

Mrs F the 1st, 2nd or 3rd?

Apparently they all meet once a week in the Kings Head in Waltham, like a support group.

Quoted from lew chaterleys lover

I've long come to the conclusion that the best location for us is in Cleethorpes- at BP.

It is big enough for any scenario in the next few years, capacities can be increased over time, we own the site with an iconic sea view

I've long thought it would be great if GTFC had a stadium that was actually in Grimsby.

It's only the Upper Findus that has an 'iconic' (since 1982) sea view. Spectators in the Pontoon, Main, Osmond and Lower concentrate on the pitch, as they should.

Quoted from mariner91

I'll have to erase the 1-0 win against Spurs from my memory then as it wasn't in the top flight. What a ridiculous thing to say.

That was 18 years ago. Can't you think of anything more recent?

How about GTFC relocate to a bigger stadium, get promoted to the Premier League like Hull, Bournemouth, Luton and Brentford, and we enjoy playing the likes of Spurs every week?

Quoted from White_shorts

That was 18 years ago. Can't you think of anything more recent?

How about GTFC relocate to a bigger stadium, get promoted to the Premier League like Hull, Bournemouth, Luton and Brentford, and we enjoy playing the likes of Spurs every week?

I have lots of great memories from BP, I also have lots of crap ones too but that's life supporting a lower league team. Yet you seemed to indicate that you can only have a memory of football if it's in the top flight which is absurd. I think it would be great if Town moved to an all singing, all dancing brand new stadium that increased the capacity and our prospects as a club propelling us into the Premier League. But that doesn't mean that everything that happened before then is irrelevant.

Quoted from WOZOFGRIMSBY

Am not sure if this is antagonistic or just nonsense.

Town have played some amazing games in the past, but they don’t have to be top flight games so they? Mine consist of Watford 1985 fa cup : my first game, Boston circa 92 when Paul futcher scored, my 18th birthday 7-1 fa cup won over luton, Fulham playoff game, beating Exeter to win promotion etc etc

Are those memories enough to justify staying at Blundell Park, maximum capacity 10k? There might always be a hardcore 5k fanbase, but the general public will lose interest. We will end up yo-yoing between League Two and increasingly long spells in non-league.

Quoted from White_shorts

That was 18 years ago. Can't you think of anything more recent?

How about GTFC relocate to a bigger stadium, get promoted to the Premier League like Hull, Bournemouth, Luton and Brentford, and we enjoy playing the likes of Spurs every week?

Get ya £25m out ya pocket then…

Quoted from aldi_01

You only get memories in the top flight, or Freemo in your case?

Freemo was a wonderful opportunity to create a scaled-up Blundell Park. Imagine the Pontoon, Main and Osmond with 30 rows of seats.

Quoted from White_shorts

Freemo was a wonderful opportunity to create a scaled-up Blundell Park. Imagine the Pontoon, Main and Osmond with 30 rows of seats.

flipping hell mate, your obsession with Freemo makes Fenty’s obsession with PP look normal…

Freemo was never a goer, other than some conversations between a tyre kicker who ultimately walked away once there was little in it for him to invest in…

Quoted from aldi_01

flipping hell mate, your obsession with Freemo makes Fenty’s obsession with PP look normal…

Freemo was never a goer, other than some conversations between a tyre kicker who ultimately walked away once there was little in it for him to invest in…

If you’re on about Shutes, Freemo was not on his radar.

Quoted from aldi_01

flipping hell mate, your obsession with Freemo makes Fenty’s obsession with PP look normal…

Freemo was never a goer, other than some conversations between a tyre kicker who ultimately walked away once there was little in it for him to invest in…

To be fair, Freemo definitely was a “goer” at one point, unfortunately all the ducks weren’t in a row.

Quoted from MuddyWaters

If you’re on about Shutes, Freemo was not on his radar.

I know, but I suspect, had Freemo ever been a goer he may have hung around.

Quoted from aldi_01

I know, but I suspect, had Freemo ever been a goer he may have hung around.

I guess we’ll never know. He was portrayed as ‘tyre kicker in chief’ though.

What was the score with Shutes ?

Is he still involved in other regeneration in the Town ?

Quoted from jimgtfc

To be fair, Freemo definitely was a “goer” at one point, unfortunately all the ducks weren’t in a row.

Was it? All that happened is a bunch of local weirdos calling themselves the "Free Men of Grimsby" made a promotional video and the club paid for a drawing to be made but there was zero movement on actual planning. This was just one of Fenty's last attempts at using the club to further his political ambitions before everything blew up in his face. They still haven't done anything with much of the empty space after raising money to have derelict buildings knocked down and failed to do the next bit where the old cinema was which was part of the planning for this whole complex that included a football stadium. In fact the only thing built so far was another homeless shelter to go with the one on Riby Square so all the hookers have another place to stay.

Fenty was out wasting club money on these vanity projects while also having the club pay for him to take it over the club as we struggled towards another relegation into the NL.

Fenty didn't want Freemo

Quoted from BrMarin

Fenty didn't want Freemo

In reality, Fenty was never interested in Freemo, why would he be? There was nothing in it for him, hence his obsession with PP. Fenty only routes Freemo to get at the tyre kicker and flex some political muscle.

Sadly, his own greed and egomania cost him everything in the end.

Fenty frittered away thousands upon thousands on nothing more than vanity projects and homosexual packet ideas. Remember when they did those ‘open days’ At BP with the PowerPoints that looked like they’d been done by a yr10 student?

It was all about him and the hours wasted too, fans forums where genuine debate about the state of the club was needed but instead conversation about what food outlets would be in and around the ground, whether or not Derek could take a flask into a non existent stadium that was nothing more than a pipe dream.

All the while, the club fell further into a state of decline, relegations and ultimately relegations out of the league, twice and a club on life support, culminating in the greedy, egocentric, narcissistic owner engaging in conversations with a fraudster who was gonna bring football fortune to BP…